Refugees May Claim Pauper’s Privileges in Restitution Cases

Jewish refugees from Germany. if unable to afford a private attorney, may sue for the restitution of their property with the aid of a court-appointed lawyer, even though they have since acquired another nationality.

This ruling was handed down by the Superior Court of nearby Celle in a restitution suit, in which it was mandatory for the plaintiff to be represented by a German gooney. Pointing out that he was moneyless and that Germans are, in like cassias, entitled to the services of court-appointed counsel, the Jewish claimant, who privilege.

It was at first denied him with the argument that it is granted to aliens only in the event that their country vouchsafes reciprocity to German nationals. Insofar as former German Jewish are concerned, this argument has now been brushed aside by the Superior Court of Celle.

If the Celle ruling is respected elsewhere, it means that refugees from Germany many in restitution cases ask for court-appointed counsel, and for exemption from court fees, provided they submit such proof of indigence as the court considers adequate.